* When the ten tribes revolted from Rehoboam, and chose Je- roboam king, there is no doubt they limited him by law; for many years afterwards king Aliab, one of his succcssors, admring a herb-garden near to his own palace, applied to the owner, Naboth, and offered him either a vineyard for it, or the worth of it in money; but Naboth would neither exchange nor sell it, and Ahab returned home so vexed, that he went to bed and would not eat any thing. Naboth having thus displeased the king, the courtiers got up a charge of Blasphemy and Sedition against him by means of false wituesses hired on purpose; he was found guilty and executed, and Ahab got possession of the garden, probably as a forfeiture to the crown. It is clear, therefore, that Ahab's power was restrained by law, for it was not until Nabot was murdered _under the forms of law_, that the king could get the poor man's property. Another thing is very remarkable: as soon as the murder was completed, and the king had got the garden, there was an honest Father in God, who, instead of saying 'the king could do no wrong,' went to his majesty, charged him with the crime, and denounced his downfall, which happened accordingly, through his listening to flattering ecclesiastics, and his fondness for military affairs. If the Bishop of London should desire to preach on this story, he is informed that he may find it in the Bible, 1 Kings, xxi. {171} If kings no more be flatter'd and deceived, Nor shun too late, the knaves they have believed; If as 'trustees for uses' they agree To act by limited authority; Subordination will its order keep, Ambition die, and all rebellion sleep. The weeping nations shall begin to laugh, The subjects easy, and the rulers safe. Plenty and peace embrace just government, The king be pleased, the people be content. If any king is hoodwink'd to believe, People will blind obedience to him give; Let him pause long, before he dares to try, They all by practice give their words the lie! *